Philip Paul Rothkugel saved Luis A. Gonzalez from drowning, Farmington, Connecticut, May 30, 1999. Swimming in the Farmington River, Gonzalez, 22, struggled to stay afloat at a point about midway across, in an area of rapids. He called for help. Although he was asthmatic, Philip, 16, high school student, who was fishing from the bank at the scene, ran into the water fully clothed and swam about 125 feet to Gonzalez. When he reached Gonzalez, a struggled ensued, during which Philip was submerged and swallowed water. The current carried them downstream as Philip struggled to establish a hold on Gonzalez. When Gonzalez ceased struggling, Philip swam back to the bank with him. A man there helped Philip remove Gonzalez to the bank, where he was given medical treatment, then was taken to the hospital. He was detained overnight. Philip developed bronchitis, but he recovered.
73762 – 8410
73762-8410